RICHBURG — Outokumpu Stainless Bar, a metal fabrication company, will expand its operations in Chester County with the construction of a new plant. The $18 million investment is expected to generate 20 new jobs.

“The new facility represents a major step for our company and will allow us to expand our market presence," said Lou Kern, senior vice president and general manager of Outokumpu Stainless Bar. "South Carolina has provided us with an excellent business environment and a talented workforce to suit our needs."

Outokumpu will be constructing a new building with about 60,000 square feet of space in the Colonel’s Point Industrial Park, which is about two miles east of the company’s current plant. The new facility will allow the company to expand capacity to better serve our distributors who supply stainless bar for transportation, aerospace and oil and gas customers.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $7 billion in capital investment and more than 20,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Our state’s manufacturing sector continues to grow and create jobs, and today’s announcement by Outokumpu is another sign of that. We appreciate the company’s decision to grow here and further strengthen the sustainability of the communities in Chester County,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. The company expects to begin construction of the new facility within a couple months and have it finished by the fall.

Chester County Supervisor R. Carlisle Roddey said Outokumpu Stainless has been a "part of the industrial fabric of Chester County" since 1998.

"They have put down roots in our community and have been instrumental in encouraging others to do so," Roddey said. "We are truly proud for Outokumpu Stainless and celebrate their success.”

The company will begin hiring for the new positions in June. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Staffmark in Rock Hill at 803-324-2424 at that time.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant for $150,000 for site work.